Support Act has secured funding for a national review into the experiences of Indigenous music workers and is seeking an independent First Nations-led research partner to carry out the work.

Backed by Sound NSW's Contemporary Music Development Grants, the review, titled 'Raising Our Voices', will examine cultural safety, representation and participation across the contemporary music industry.

The review follows a key recommendation from the 2022 'Raising Their Voices' report, which identified systemic inequities and cultural harm in the Australian music industry.

That report found high rates of sexual harassment and bullying, along with entrenched barriers and limited independent reporting pathways for marginalised groups.

The new review sits within the sector's broader response to the 'Raising Their Voices' recommendations, alongside initiatives including the development of the new Music Code led by Creative Workplaces.

'Raising Our Voices' will engage Indigenous music workers across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia and is intended to deliver practical recommendations to strengthen cultural safety, representation and leadership pathways in contemporary music.

The first phase of the research program is funded by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.

That funding will support First Nations-led and co-designed research with music workers and involve organisations across NSW, including Western Sydney, the South Coast, Northern Rivers and regional communities.

A second phase will extend into other states and territories through additional funding from Creative Workplaces, Creative Victoria, Music Australia, The Tony Foundation and the funders of the 2022 'Raising Their Voices' report.

'We want practical outcomes - stronger representation, safer workplaces, and clearer leadership pathways'

The project will be led by Pertame, Arrernte and Mirning woman and Support Act First Nations Program Manager Catherine Satour, with support from a First Nations Steering Committee providing cultural governance, strategic guidance and music industry expertise.

Ms Satour said the review would place First Nations voices at the centre of the process.

"Raising Their Voices made it clear that systemic change is needed," Ms Satour said.

"This Review is about listening properly, doing the work in a culturally safe way, and ensuring First Nations music workers are not just consulted, but central to shaping the future of the industry.

"We want practical outcomes - stronger representation, safer workplaces, and clearer leadership pathways — that translate into real change across Australian contemporary music."

The steering committee includes Kaleena Smith (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta) from Music NSW, Travis De Vries (Gamilaroi) from Awesome Blak, Matty Mills (Gamilaroi) from SBS/NITV and NOVA FM, Genise Williams (Western Arrarnta) from Clapsticks Productions, Kelly Hellmrich (Mineng Noongar) from Bad Apples, Jared Wall (Noongar) from Boox Kid, Letisha Ackland (Kokatha, Wirangu and Mirning) from Balya Productions, Nancy Bates (Nancy Bates) from Deadly Management, Leah Flanagan (Alyawarre) or Nathaniel Andrew (Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, South Sea Islander) from NATSIMO, Julia Robinson from ARIA and PPCA, and Mayella Dewis-Koroi (Boigu, Mer, and St Pauls Islands and Wuthathi), an artist and producer.

'A contemporary music industry that values creativity must also value cultural safety, equity and leadership'

Support Act chief executive Clive Miller said the review marked the next stage of industry reform.

"The Raising Their Voices report was a watershed moment for our industry," Mr Miller said.

"This new Review is about taking another important step - turning a key recommendation into action and ensuring First Nations music workers see tangible change.

"A contemporary music industry that values creativity must also value cultural safety, equity and leadership."

He said Support Act was committed to delivering a process that would lead to practical reforms the sector could adopt and measure.

Nationally respected organisational culture and integrity expert Alex Shehadie, who authored the 2022 'Raising Their Voices' report, will support the review to maintain continuity with the original recommendations and reform framework.

Support Act is now seeking tenders from qualified consultancies to undertake the research.

Preference will be given to First Nations-owned or led organisations, or those able to show genuine partnerships with First Nations researchers and communities and strong experience in culturally safe, trauma-informed research methodologies.

A Request for Tender is available online.

The final report consolidating the research data is expected to be delivered in early 2027.